Released: 22 September, 2023

Genre: Hip-hop

From: US

Label: ALC

Why you should listen: The Alchemist has been on an incredible run of production some exceptional albums. This time around, he teams up with two NYC-based emcees, Wiki and MIKE, who, as solo artists have both released some incredible, introspective hip-hop albums to the world. Faith Is A Rock is the name of their new album, and features some soulful yet punchy Alchemist beats, and animated emceeing that to me, exceed expectations. MIKE, for instance, is rapping some of his best rhymes to date throughout the album. I feel like having him next to another emcee, especially as talented and a presence on the mic Wiki is, makes him sharper, more complex rapper. I’m really, really impressed with his rhyming on this album, as well as Wiki’s personality and animated rhymes, shining through on a project that is beautifully produced by the legend Alchemist. Standouts are the first three tracks, “Stargate”, “Thug Anthem”, “Mayors A Cop”, as well as the silky smooth “Pray For Him”. MIKE takes inspiration from his city observations, state of mind, scenes from films and current issues throughout, with the second of the three being one of my favourites this year. The dark and unassuming tone of “Be Realistic” is incredible, with Wiki’s menacing verse taking center stage, one of the highlights on the album. “Memory Loss” is another great song, with both rappers gliding over a jazzy, uplifting beat, while “One More” closes the album out with a soulful vocal sample, and Wiki’s reflective triumphant last words being incredibly potent, and MIKE’s incredible flow meandering behind the almost beat-less instrumental. The ethereal tone throughout some of these tracks make it an excellent one.

Faith Is A Rock shows two incredibly talented emcees, MIKE and Wiki, at the height of their creative powers, writing their best rhymes to date, over lush and textured Alchemist beats. A truly phenomenal album!

The album: